The Consumer Electronics Show kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas. Over 3,500 companies are here in Sin City to show off what they have in store for us over the coming months.

CES is an important event on the tech calendar as it highlights upcoming trends and gives a preview of how technology will impact the consumer in the very near future. Key trends and themes for CES have already emerged. 

Autonomous driving cars

We have heard about the “internet of things” for some time now, but it looks as though 2015 will push this trend even further. Car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Ford (as well as others) are here and are expected to unveil more on-board technology, but also autonomous driving cars. We’ll see how they will work and obey speed limits, stop signs and so on.

Wearables

Wearable technology is also a key focus of this year’s CES. We know that the Apple Watch is due out this year, but there are other contenders worth looking at. One watch that caught my eye was the Withings Activité Pop. The reason it stood out for me is because it looks so normal. Some of the smart-watches and fitness trackers we have seen in the past few months have looked like something from Star Trek, but this looks like your bog-standard watch.

It pairs to a smart-phone via Bluetooth and tracks: running, walking, swimming and sleeping. This information is then displayed on the user’s phone, allowing them to monitor their movements.

Now for the best bits: 8-month battery life and retailing at around €120 / €130.

Drones

Drones are creating quite a stir here at CES. Many people walking along the Vegas Strip have their GoPros attached to their person, and it is thought that the company will announce a HD drone camera. Parrot and DJI are expected to unveil an drone-cam too.

We'll continue to bring you the latest from CES throughout the week.